Japanese Meat Importer Accused of Dodging Pork Tariffs:

One of Japan's major meat wholesalers, Kyochiku, is under investigation for its attempt to avoid about $10 million in tariffs due under Japan's complicated pork 'gate price' system. This particular case deals with Danish pork imported in 2003 and 2004. Several other major firms have had similar legal difficulties in the past leading to speculation that the 'gate price' system of calculating pork duties may collapse under it own weight. Japan is the world’s largest importer of pork and U.S. exports to Japan are at record levels. (11/22/06)